Located a few kilometers east of Tours, Vouvray is certainly one of the most beautiful wine appellations in the whole Loire .
Wonderfully highlighting the thousand and one facets of the grape variety Chenin , the vineyard indeed enjoys a rich history and varied terroirs, allowing the production of delicious dry, sweet and sparkling white wines.
With this article, we invite you to embark on a fabulous Loire trip and discover all the secrets of this great appellation. Enjoy reading!
History of the Vouvray appellation
The creation of the Vouvray vineyard is due to Saint Martin . Then Bishop of Tours, the latter decided to settle in Vouvray in 372 in order to benefit from more tranquility. He will have the first vines planted there and will create the monastery of Marmoutier the same year. At the end of the 4th century, about twenty monks live in the abbey and watch over the small vineyard.
During the following centuries, the Vouvrillon monks continued to develop local viticulture, producing wines that gradually gained in notoriety.
At 13th century , different white grape varieties are planted in the Vouvray vineyard. Chenin (then called "Pineau de la Loire") is already present there and considered the noblest of all. It was not until 1534 that the term "Chenin" was mentioned for the first time by the famous Rabelais. The latter even mentioned it in his famous novel "Gargantua".
To 15th and 16th centuries , Several kings of France even became fond of the region's wines, thus promoting their recognition among the elites as well as for export, notably to the northern countries thanks to Dutch merchants.
Then, during the 19th century , Vouvray faces several disasters: mildew, powdery mildew and phylloxera harm the vines. The latter, a small parasite similar to an aphid and imported by boat from the United States, will in fact destroy a large part of the vineyard from Tours.
Just think: at its peak in 1888, the Touraine region covered 63,250 hectares. Phylloxera will destroy almost half of them just for him before a solution is found. The French vines are then cut from American rootstocks (root system), the latter being in fact resistant to this parasite. The vineyard was then gradually rebuilt until it returned to 15,000 hectares in 1906.
Finally, in 1936 , the AOC Vouvray is officially created. It is the first in all of Touraine.
Today, the Vouvray vineyard extends over 2,300 hectares , distributed over 8 municipalities : Vouvray, Vernou-sur-Brenne, Tours, Rochecorbon, Reugny, Parçay-Meslay, Noizay and Chançay.
Chenin and the wines of Vouvray
As you will have understood, Chenin is the only grape variety in the Vouvray appellation. Like many varieties, its origin remains uncertain . However, its presence has been established in the region since the 9th century.
Covering today 9,000 hectares in the Loire , Chenin is also very present in South Africa, a country representing more than half of the world's plantations. Locally, it is called "Steen".
If you want to know everything about this fabulous variety, don't hesitate not to read our article entirely dedicated to him: Chenin, the noblest white grape variety of the Loire .
Within the Vouvrillonne appellation , Chenin therefore allows the production of 3 types of wines :
- dry white wines,
- sweet wines (semi-dry, mellow, liqueur),
- sparkling wines.
Dry white wines from Vouvray are lively, fresh , and express notes citrus fruits, quince, pear or even white flowers . There minerality is also often noticeable when tasting. Over the years, aromas of honey and hazelnut can appear. While the majority of vintages of this style are made to be drunk in their youth, some bottles of character can be appreciated after 10 years or more.
The wines semi-dry are very appreciated for their deliciousness. Their slight sweetness gives them a very consensual character. The aroma of this type of wine evolves on notes of peach, ripe quince and apricot .
When weather conditions permit, certain plots of vines are also capable of producing sweet and liqueur wines . These vintages, with a high sugar content, are produced from grapes harvested when overripe. The berries are therefore harvested later than average and may be affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) , a microscopic fungus that promotes their concentration of sugar, acidity and aromas.
The material of sweet and liqueur wines is creamy and their complex and intense aromatic : exotic fruits (mango, pineapple), mirabelle plum, butter, honey, quince, sweet spices...it is difficult not to succumb to temptation! The sweet wines of Vouvray can also often improve over several decades in the cellar and therefore show a beautiful storage potential .
Finally, sparkling wines are also very present on the appellation. These are made according to the traditional method , the same as champagnes! The only differences are the terroirs, the grape varieties and a minimum aging time on slats of 12 months compared to 15 months for a classic non-vintage champagne. However, many producers go well beyond this period, carrying out aging on slats for up to 36 months.
The aromas of these fine bubbles evolve over citrus fruits, green apple, peach, but also hazelnut, honey or even toast when breeding is pushed.
Climate and terroirs of Vouvray
Located on the right bank of the Loire, the appellation Vouvray has a climate degraded oceanic .The latter is therefore relatively mild throughout the year, without large temperature variations , although these are nevertheless slightly larger than those of vineyards closer to the Atlantic Ocean.
The Loire also greatly influences the local climate. The river is in fact an excellent thermal regulator , creating the ideal conditions for the maturation of Chenin.
It is generally the plots closest to the Loire and reaching maturity more quickly that allow the creation of the delicious sweet and liqueur wines of the appellation. Conversely, the coldest plots are often reserved for the production of sparkling wines. Be careful, however, not to generalize! Each winemaker is master of his land.
Finally, the soils here are clay-limestone: tuffeau (fine-grained limestone), black flint, clay plateaus...many shades exist and The varied topography of the plots allows the creation of vintages with distinct identities. There are indeed more than 615 clos and localities in the vineyard!
The different terroirs of the Vouvray appellation
What to eat with Vouvray wines?
Comté and dry Vouvray: a successful combination
Looking for the best Vouvrays?
As you will have understood, the richness of the Vouvray appellation and its wines is quite incredible. Chenin blanc, the hero of the region, finds here a land conducive to its development and is available in all possible forms.
If you want to get started with this appellation from the top, The Illuminated Cellar recommends you the François & Julien Pinon estate , a magnificent 15-hectare property honouring local wines and offering a superb range.
Of course, if you need advice, we remain at your disposal.Health !
